Rappelling courses set at DeSoto State Park

Published: Friday, February 15, 2013 at 6:08 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, February 15, 2013 at 6:09 p.m.

DeSoto State Park and Goldstar Enterprises are offering basic rappelling courses on Sundays in February and March, beginning this Sunday, according to a release from the park.

The classes will be at the park and are open to anyone older than 10. They will last three hours and cost $30 per person, which includes all required gear.

According to the release, participants will learn the basics of rappelling with Professional Climbing Instructors Association teachers guiding them. The instructors will teach participants about basic gear, knot tying and rappelling hardware before they descend an 80-foot sandstone wall.

Participants will need to wear comfortable clothing, preferably with removable layers, as well as hiking boots or lightweight tennis shoes. They also will need to bring a lunch and a water bottle or hydration pack. No coolers will be allowed, so the lunch must fit in a backpack.

Those interested can sign up in advance by calling DeSoto State Park Country Store at 256-634-8370, or signing up there.

<p>DeSoto State Park and Goldstar Enterprises are offering basic rappelling courses on Sundays in February and March, beginning this Sunday, according to a release from the park.</p><p>The classes will be at the park and are open to anyone older than 10. They will last three hours and cost $30 per person, which includes all required gear.</p><p>According to the release, participants will learn the basics of rappelling with Professional Climbing Instructors Association teachers guiding them. The instructors will teach participants about basic gear, knot tying and rappelling hardware before they descend an 80-foot sandstone wall.</p><p>Participants will need to wear comfortable clothing, preferably with removable layers, as well as hiking boots or lightweight tennis shoes. They also will need to bring a lunch and a water bottle or hydration pack. No coolers will be allowed, so the lunch must fit in a backpack.</p><p>Those interested can sign up in advance by calling DeSoto State Park Country Store at 256-634-8370, or signing up there.</p>